Ants
As the weather warms up, we are starting to see ants coming into our houses and businesses. As the ant colonies wake up, they send out scouts to forage for sweet sugary foods and our houses are an ideal target. The most common species of ant we find coming into to homes and businesses is the Garden or Black Ants and these small black ants (3-5mm in size) will travel very long distance from their colonies searching for food becoming an uninvited house guest and a nuisance in homes and businesses.
Their favourite foods are sweet sugar foods such as honey, cake and biscuit crumbs or spillages of sugary drinks. Once a food source is found the scout ants will lay chemical trails for the other ants to follow and you will quickly find hundreds of ants trailing in from outside and clustering around the food source.
Cleaning Up
The most effective method of controlling ants is thoroughly cleaning up the area of all spillages and food sources. Once you find the food source clean it up immediately and remove any other spillages and potential food from the area. Make sure all foods are kept in airtight containers and away from the ants. If the ant problem persists after thoroughly cleaning up the area, then the next method of controlling ants is using ant bait stations.
Controlling Ants
If you are still being troubled by ants after thoroughly cleaning, then the most effective method for controlling the ant infestation is using ant baits. These ant bait stations have a sweet bait enclosed in them which only the ants can get to and feed on. The ants take the bait back to the colony destroying the colony. Set them out where you see ants. I would not recommend using insecticide sprays as the insecticide will only kill the foraging ants and not the whole colony. Avoid using ant powder as these dusts can be harmful to pets and non-target species especially if used outside.
If you are struggling with an ant problem or would like advice on controlling pests in your property or business! Contact: Eco Trap Services call 07852 485053
